RVNA Annual Appeal

December 2016

Dear Friend,

I often receive patient letters of gratitude which warm my heart. Recently, a patient wrote, “Thank you for the home care provided after my brief hospital stay in the spring. My nurse, Donna Cardillo, my aide, physical therapist and occupational therapist were professional and caring. It was news to me that such thorough home care is available through the VNA.” Indeed, “thorough home care” is available through RVNA, thanks to people like you.

Throughout November, we have shared patient stories on our website and social media, illustrating the “thorough home care” you help us provide. We started with Terry, whose COPD are up one night was a life-threatening experience. Pain and shortness of breath swept across her. The tightness in her chest was unbearable. Panic-stricken and struggling to breathe, she was rushed to the hospital, where her situation was brought under control. She eventually returned home, greeted by RVNA clinicians Christine Denley, RN and Terry DePaoli, Physical Therapist. The care plan they developed kept her breathing comfortably and provided ways to cope with another attack, as well as exercises and medical oversight to help her manage her COPD – and stay out of the hospital. For the first time in years, Terry felt she was in control, thanks to you.

Emily moved to the area 15 years ago to be closer to her daughter. A city resident her whole life, she does not drive and has always walked to where she needed to go – to church, for a few groceries or to visit a friend. Now 89, she is no longer able to safely get out on her own. It’s a familiar story. She manages with the assistance of a home health aide for help with routine needs and errands, and she thrives on regular visits from an RVNA friendly visitor, to share conversation and companionship. Social connection is a key to senior well-being. Feelings of loneliness or isolation can negatively affect both physical and mental health, contribute to cognitive decline, and put one at risk for depression. Our senior community is growing rapidly and RVNA needs your help to keep our neighbors, like Emily, safe in their homes, healthy and socially connected.

RVNA now provides home care to more than 1,500 patients, up 22% over last year. We do so regardless of diagnosis, regardless of financial circumstances. The growing healthcare needs of our community are signicant and RVNA needs you to contribute today. Together, we can improve lives!

Remember Bill’s story? A retired teacher and Navy veteran, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 11 years ago. The physical therapy he receives in his home from RVNA’s Clint Layog, Doctor of Physical Therapy, has truly been a blessing to maintain muscle strength and improve flexibility, mobility and balance. For three years, RVNA has kept his condition stable and has slowed his further deterioration. When Bill’s wife, his primary caregiver, recently underwent back surgery, she became unable to tend to all of his needs. Yohn Zuluaga, RVNA home health aide and CNA, helps him with bathing, grooming and dressing. We are able to care for Bill and hundreds of other patients in their homes because of you.

These are real people, real stories. You have the ability to make their lives and the lives of so many other patients better with your own personal support. You are a part of their story. Please consider a gift to RVNA today.

Most sincerely,

Theresa Santoro, MSN, RN, CHCA

President and CEO

P.S. Please be as generous as your means allow. And remember, a gift match from your employer will make your gift go twice as far!